The Heritage Magazine - Winter 2018

THE HERITAGE

for alumni & friends Winter 2018

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dear DSU Alumni and Friends, 2018 is quickly coming to a close and we will soon celebrate our third anniversary as the DSU Heritage Foundation. We have accomplished many goals and we are well on our way to achieving many more in the future.

This year was one of great celebration as it marked 100 years of the “College on the Hill.” We had a great time reuniting with alumni and friends from afar as they came home to DSU for one of the reunions.

We would not be where we are today without the assistance of our alumni and friends. THANK YOU for helping make a difference in the lives of the students of Dickinson State University! Our goal from day one has been to raise scholarship dollars for students.

That goal still remains our main priority.

Currently, the DSU Heritage Foundation has 85 endowments worth over $5 million. We have successfully awarded over $750,000 in annual scholarships each of the last three years - awarding a minimum of 500 scholarships, with an average scholarship value of $1,500.

The DSU Heritage Foundation has developed the Named Annual Scholarship to assist deserving students with college expenses. These scholarships range from $500 to $6,000. The donor develops specific criteria and is able to “name” the scholarship, which is awarded annually to a recipient who meets the criteria. This type of scholarship allows the donor to know exactly where the scholarship was awarded and who received it.

These Named Annual Scholarships are unique and very important to DSU. Currently, we have 70 athletic, 50 merit, 51 Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, 16 rodeo and 102 academic and/or departmental “Named Annual Scholarships.”

We want to thank each and every person for your continued support of DSU. Your dedication and continued loyalty to this great university will allow us to soar to even greater heights!

Sincerely, Ty Orton, Executive Director

DSU HERITAGE FOUNDATION STAFF Ty Orton Alicia Erickson Pamela Rudolph Amanda Bramhall

CONTACT US

230 8th Ave West Dickinson, ND 58601 Phone: (701) 483-2486 Email: contact@dsuheritagefoundation.org

Cover art by Cherie Roshau ’87

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Dr. Tom Arnold President

Bruce Dolezal Vice President

Dr. Dale Hansen Secretary

Mary Nordsven Treasurer / President-Elect

Ty Orton

Terald Bang Bang Terald Bob Baumann Baumann Bob Hank Biesiot Biesiot Hank Dodie Birdsall Dodie Birdsall Rob Bollinger Shirley Dukart Shirley Dukart Bob Bob Green Green Grant Grant Haugland Haugland George Nodland Scott Molander George Dr. JimNodland Ozbun Dr.Vince Jim Ozbun Reep Vince Reep Irene Schafer Irene Schafer Judi Schnell Judi Schnell Jim Schwartz Jim Schwartz Dr. Dr.Jack Jack“Gordon” “Gordon” Thomas Thomas Deb Deb Zillich Zillich Pete PeteStanton, Stanton,Ex-Officio Ex-Officio HollyMcBee, McBee, Ex-Officio Ex-Officio Holly Dr. Chip Poland, Ex-Officio Dr. Chip Poland, Ex-Officio DSU PresidentDr. Dr.Thomas ThomasMitzel, Mitzel, Ex-Officio Ex-Officio THE HERITAGE | WINTER 2018

Alumni Spotlight Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Tamar (Wright) Rodney ‘08

by Salena Loveland, DSU student When Tamar (Wright) Rodney first came to Dickinson State University, she could not have guessed where she would be over 10 years later. Entering DSU’s nursing program would end up being one of many decisions that would shape Rodney’s future. In May 2018, the Geneva Foundation/Jonas Center for Veterans Healthcare Scholar graduate from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON) with her Ph.D. as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Rodney is now living in Baltimore, Maryland, and has just accepted a position as an assistant professor at JHSON where she will focus on teaching and research along with some clinical practice. “I am really excited about my research plans,” said Rodney. “My goal is to change the way we assess individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder. I am confident that with further research we can look at ways to provide better care earlier and reduce the negative outcomes for these individuals and their families.”

Rodney was able to take some time from her busy schedule to answer some questions about her time at DSU and the impact it had on her.

Why did you choose DSU? A friend told me about it. The recommendation was, “DSU has an excellent nursing program,” which is most definitely true. [DSU was] also very prompt in their communication.

Did you have a favorite professor? If so, why was he or she your favorite? This is difficult, because I enjoyed going to all my classes, even the difficult ones. I can’t really choose just one, but I will say the classes and professors I enjoyed the most were nursing and psychology ones. Each class felt like a whole new world that was just fascinating to me.

What was your favorite time here and why? Lots of great memories. Participating in extracurricular activities was my DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG

DSU Heritage Foundation favorite. Nursing Students Association, Student Ambassadors, Campus Activity Board, International Students Group, being a cheerleader, a TR scholar. I always felt like I had a lot of quality social time and lots of fun with my ever-growing friend circle.

What are you most proud of when you look back at your time at DSU? All of it. It was such a rich experience. I grew as a person; I met individuals who are now lifelong friends. I had challenged myself to move to a new country, and I had the pleasure, or luck, to succeed in a very caring and nurturing environment: Dickinson.

What was the most difficult thing for you as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it? Learning to adjust to the winter.

Leaving Jamaica to live in North Dakota was a drastic transition.

But I have built grit, is the way I see it. I have always told myself, “If I can survive winters in Dickinson, I can do anything.”

What did you enjoy most about being a Blue Hawk? I was so proud to wear my blue and gray for games, for campus tours and just because. I felt that pride because everyone around me was also proud of the Blue Hawk tradition. It cements you into a community where excellence, hard work and good, healthy rivalry is fun. So when I would sing “The Fight Song,” it always felt like it had true meaning.

Did DSU help shape your decisions for your path after you graduated? If so, how? Absolutely. I had really good faculty mentors who were not just great examples but were [also] encouraging of my graduate school desires. I would always ask for advice and got good, honest feedback. My decision to pursue psychiatric nursing was a direct result of me understanding neither my nursing psychiatry clinical rotation nor how psychology played a part in health. I expressed this to one of my nursing faculty members who suggested that I should do a few more psychology classes, so I did. Now it makes perfect sense, and I feel they should always be together.

How did your time at DSU help you to be successful in your later pursuits? I came to Dickinson very shy, reserved and timid.

I left a much more confident individual. DSU offered a lot of opportunities that I feel comparatively larger schools cannot.

At DSU, you know almost everyone by name, and you feel a part of a community. This sense of community allowed me to confidently participate and try to be as involved as possible. This fostered a sense of confidence and ultimately success in a lot of the things I wanted to do. Although I have left the community, I still take the confidence I learned there with me, knowing that succeeding sometimes means that you only have to try.

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Alumni Spotlight Optometrist John Hanstad ‘13

by Salena Loveland, DSU student Dr. John Hanstad is a former Blue Hawk basketball player who graduated Cum Laude in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

Dr. Hanstad, can you please tell us a little about yourself?

I am an optometrist working at Emmerich Eye Clinic in downtown Dickinson. I grew up in Dickinson, went to Dickinson High School and have always loved the area.

I love living close to family and friends, and I enjoy living in a smaller community atmosphere. The town has changed in the four years of optometry school I spent in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, but it is still home to me, and I am happy to be back. I spend most of my time with my wife Mallory (graduated from DSU in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and my son, Thomas (2), who also love being close to family. I enjoy hunting, fishing, golfing and basketball when I am not working.

DSU Heritage Foundation What is a favorite memory you have of your time as an undergrad? My favorite memories from my time at DSU will always be playing basketball for the Blue Hawks and going on our bus trips. I made lifelong friends in the process and really learned how to push myself and work hard.

What was the most difficult thing for you as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it? The most challenging thing for me was trying to apply to professional school while playing sports as well as the pressures of trying to get good grades that would allow me to attend optometry school.

What did you enjoy most about being a Blue Hawk? I most enjoyed the small campus/class size because students and faculty were able to get to know you on a personal level. I also really enjoyed any time with the basketball team, except for the 6 a.m. practices.

What would you tell someone who is considering attending DSU? You get a superior education with a huge bang for your buck. No matter what school you go to, it is nice to be known on campus rather than just being another “number” at a big school.

There isn’t anything a big school has that DSU can’t offer if you are willing to apply yourself and work hard.

Why did you choose Dickinson State University for your bachelor’s degree? I chose Dickinson State because I love Dickinson and wanted to stay in the area. I knew DSU would prepare me well for my future career.

Did DSU help shape your decisions for your path after you graduated? If so, how? Yes, during my education at DSU I learned what I liked and what I didn’t like and ultimately chose to focus on health care for my future.

Was there a certain professor who made a big impact on your life? Dr. Martin (chemistry teacher) and Dr. Schaunnessy (biology teacher) always made class fun. They made us think independently and prepared me well for future learning. I really learned how to study because I had to keep up. They were also always available for questions and were never too busy to help students.

How did your time at DSU help you to be successful in your later pursuits? My time at DSU allowed me to be successful later by teaching me lessons about hard work, perseverance and that nothing in life is given to you. You have to work for and earn what you want in life, and my time at DSU cemented that for me.

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THE HERITAGE | WINTER 2018

Alumni Spotlight

DSU Heritage Foundation

BLEEDING BLUE AND GRAY: The Kessel’s Unending Loyalty to DSU

by Hailey Entze, DSU Heritage Foundation Student Worker For Erv Kessel and his wife Marilyn, becoming part of the Dickinson State family was almost inevitable. Both born and raised in Dickinson, they began studying at Dickinson State after graduating from Dickinson High School in 1955.

Kessel majored in physical education with an English and social studies minor. Marilyn attended Dickinson State for two years before the couple were married. Later, their four children attended the institution, deepening their connection.

As a student at Dickinson State, Kessel was quarterback for four years. He led his team to conference titles in 1955 and 1958.

Since scholarships were not yet being offered, Kessel turned to work to fund his education. He found a job with Marilyn’s uncle delivering milk in the morning before class. It wasn’t easy, but the two made it work and Kessel graduated in 1959.

The couple stayed in North Dakota where Kessel had a teaching and coaching career in various western North Dakota communities. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Wyoming in 1967.

Kessel taught and coached at Dickinson High School for many years before opening Big Sky Athlete, a sporting goods store, in 1979.

Over time, the Kessels remained closely connected to Dickinson State. He was president of the Blue Hawk Booster Club from 1977-79 and introduced activities to

raise money for the Blue Hawks. These events included: a steer for steak; dine and dance; and the Super Bowl breakfast. Kessel helped to coordinate the pregame football breakfast for 20 years, an event that raised about $60,000.

Kessel received the DSU Loyalty Award in 1984 and later the Chief Award for his loyalty and dedication to the institution.

When asked what makes Dickinson State so special, and why they continue to support it, the answer was easy for the Kessels. “[DSU] is in our hearts,” Marilyn said. “It’s our home away from home.”

This makes it easy to say that DSU is proud to call the Kessels part of the family, very proud indeed.

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Alumni Fellows Randal “Randy” Schwartz ’79 Dickinson, North Dakota Department of Mathematics & Computer Science Originally headed to the University of North Dakota to major in engineering, Randy Schwartz decided to stay closer to home after being recruited for football and track. Football falls at the heart of this guy, so he made the decision to enroll at Dickinson State as a pre-engineering student, planning to transfer. However, he quickly fell in love with the school and changed his major. Schwartz earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics. He is the owner of Edward H. Schwartz Construction, Inc. and Schwartz Quarter Horses. He resides south of Dickinson with his wife, Kristi. They have four children: Francine, Katie, Bryson, and Nolan. They are also overjoyed to have four grandchildren: Aiden, Jackson, Loralei, and Brielle. Randy’s proud parents are Rozella Schwartz and the late Edward H. Schwartz.

Larry Borlaug ’71 Minneapolis, Minnesota Department of Social Sciences Raised in Washburn, North Dakota, Larry Borlaug set out to follow in the footsteps of his friends who were attending Dickinson State College.

He knew he wanted to become a teacher. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in social science with a minor in political science in 1971.

Borlaug has held various roles with Thrivent Financial over the past 43 years. He currently is a financial advisor with the company and resides in Minneapolis with his wife of 40 years, Linda. The Borlaug’s have three children. Son, Eric and his wife, Carla, and their two sons, Oliver and Arthur. Brian and his wife, Teresa, and their three daughters, Lola, Vivienne, and Daphne. Lastly, their daughter, Susie, and her husband, Jason.

Clarice Kuhn Andrus ’77 Fargo, North Dakota Department of Fine & Performing Arts As a graduate of Trinity High School in Dickinson, North Dakota, it only made sense for Clarice Kuhn Andrus to pursue her theatre arts and English education degrees from Dickinson State College. During her time as an educator at Mott-Regent High School, in North Dakota, Andrus received numerous Region 10 Coach of the Year awards for speech and drama. After retiring from the education field in 2016, Andrus moved to Fargo, North Dakota, where she works as an assessment administrator at Westat. Andrus has three children: Meredith (James) Bedard, Ryan, and Rebecca.

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DSU Heritage Foundation Iris Dockter Swedlund ’69 Velva, North Dakota Department of Teacher Education Iris Swedlund chose Dickinson State College because it was affordable and it had a great education program. She graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in business education and library science. For the next 44 years, she worked as a teacher in Velva, North Dakota. Today, Swedlund serves as an officer and grants chair on the Humanities North Dakota Committee for the State of North Dakota. She is proud to be the parent of Searle (Emmy) and Shayla (John), and the proud grandmother of Sigrid, Briony, and Graham.

Bruce Dolezal ’77 Dickinson, North Dakota School of Business & Entrepreneurship Raised on a farm and ranch northwest of Killdeer, North Dakota, Bruce Dolezal had attended many athletic events, concerts, and plays at Dickinson State while in high school and it made sense that by attending Dickinson State, he would still be able to help out on the family ranch while getting his degree. Today, Dolezal is the regional president of American Bank Center. He is very involved in the community and serves as a board member for the DSU Heritage Foundation, Stark Development Corporation, Dickinson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, State Historical Society of ND Foundation, and the North Dakota Community Fund. He is married to Lisa ’83 and they have three children: Lance (Jordan); Lindsey and her fiancé, Kevin Koach; and Laura and her fiancé, James Helm. He is the proud grandfather to Marley. His mother, Marlys ’49, is also an alumna of DSTC. Val Mack ’94 Dickinson, North Dakota School of Business & Entrepreneurship Val Mack was born and raised in Miles City, Montana. She decided to transfer to DSU after attending Miles Community College and Adams State College. Mack helped the women’s basketball team win the conference championship and obtained her degree in business administration.

Today, she is the senior trust officer for Dakota Community Bank & Trust. She is a member of Rotary and the Western Dakota Estate Planning Council as well as a previous board member for St. Luke’s Home. She resides in Dickinson with her husband, Scott, and their two sons, Riley and Reese. Her parents are Greg and Kathy Ugrin.

THE HERITAGE | WINTER 2018

Alumni Fellows Kelly Kussy ’91 Dickinson, North Dakota Department of Health & Physical Education As a basketball and track standout from Dodson, Montana, Kelly Kienenberger Kussy made the choice to attend Dickinson State University because of an athletic scholarship and the teacher education program.

Ever since she was a little girl, she had dreamed of being a teacher. Kussy graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education with a minor in history.

Today, she is the physical education and health teacher at Heart River Elementary in Dickinson. She is a member of the St. Anthony’s Club and a dedicated volunteer coach for Optimist basketball teams. She is married to Ken ’75 and they have two children, Annie and Brayden.

Seth Arndorfer ’98 Bismarck, North Dakota Department of Agriculture & Technical Studies A cowboy raised on a fourthgeneration farm/ranch by Hettinger, Seth Arndorfer chose to attend Dickinson State University because of the rodeo program. Arndorfer gained his associate’s degree in farm and ranch management in 1995 and a Bachelor of Science in business administration in 1998. Since 2013, Arndorfer has been the CEO of Dakota Carrier Network in Bismarck. He is a current board member of Intadel Services and the NTCA, the Rural Broadband Association’s Futures Task Force. In 2014, he was the recipient of DSU’s Young Hawk Award and was named to the Bismarck Tribune’s 40 Under 40.

He resides in Bismarck with his wife, Ali, and their two sons, Jace and Reese.

Amy Kreidt ’03 Dickinson, North Dakota Department of Nursing Amy Kreidt has been a part of the Blue Hawk family for nearly 20 years. She became a part of it when she moved with her husband, Tim, to Dickinson when he accepted the athletic trainer position at Dickinson State. Coming in with her Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in licensed practical nursing from North Dakota State College of Science, she enrolled in DSU’s Bachelor of Science in nursing. She completed the program in 2003 and continued working at CHI in the obstetrics department. Today, Kreidt serves as the CEO/ Administrator of St. Luke’s Home in Dickinson. She continues to be active in the DSU community by serving as an advisory board member for DSU’s Department of Nursing board. Kreidt DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG

DSU Heritage Foundation lives on a farm north of Dickinson with her husband, Tim, and their three children: Jaden, Claire, and Anna.

Dr. David Kuylen ’99 Dickinson, North Dakota Department of Natural Sciences Dr. David Kuylen is a doctor in our local hospital, working in the emergency and trauma medicine unit at CHI St. Alexius Health Center.

He has worked in Dickinson for the past 14 years. Raised in South Heart, North Dakota, Kuylen chose to attend DSU because it was close to home and it gave him an opportunity to play football. He is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and was the 2016 North Dakota EMS Association Medical Director of the Year. Kuylen and his wife LaRae have eight children: Tyler, Alec, Cole, Dawson, Colin, Emma, Ryker and Ella.

Beverly Huschka ’67 Bismarck, North Dakota Department of Language & Literature Beverly Huschka dedicated her career to teaching. She was a founding member of the University of Mary’s Department of Communications.

Starting the department in 1980, Huschka also helped build up the theatre department, an area she knew a lot about since she was a part of theatre at Dickinson State Teachers College. Huschka retired in 2013 after 34 years of teaching. She is enjoying retirement in Bismarck by reading and writing. She has two sons who continue to be big supporters, Robert (Amy) and Ryan (Lauren), as well as four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

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Alumni Honorees Brady Boese ’10 Dickinson, North Dakota Young Hawk Award Brady Boese has been a trendsetter since he set foot on campus. It took a little while to figure out if it was really Brady because his identical twin, Kirk, also decided to join him in becoming a Blue Hawk. They were just one of the many sets of twins that came to DSU from Richey High School in Montana. Raised on a farm 30 miles northwest of Glendive near Bloomfield, Montana, Boese’s parents instilled in him morals and values. According to Boese, “They made me into the man I am today…I would be nothing without them.”

DSU Heritage Foundation Instructors like John McDonald and Myron Freeman made an impact on his life. In fact, he credits Freeman as being the best educator he had ever experienced. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with a major in biology and a double minor in social studies and physical education in 1966.

After graduation, Goodall signed a contract to teach at Dickinson High School. He taught there for three years while rough necking in the oilfields. During the summer of 1969, he went to Imco Drilling Fluids School in Houston, Texas, where he became a chemical engineer. That started his oil career and created the man he is today.

While in college, Boese was active in intramural sports, Campus Crusade for Christ, jazz band, and the Pride of the West marching band. Boese credits professors like Deb Dragseth, Dorothy Renner, and Cal Kolling for making a difference in his life. In fact, Kolling referred him to American Bank Center, the same company that he works for today as a consumer loan officer.

Goodall is active within the DSU Heritage Foundation as a member of the Development Committee. He is also a member of the Blue Hawk Touchdown Club, Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, Elks Club in Williston and Dickinson, Chamber of Commerce in Williston, and the American Petroleum Institute.

He is one of the six charter members of the Savages Boosters.

In addition, Goodall has served two terms as the President of the North Dakota Junior Stockman’s Association and is a trustee with the ND Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Boese met his greatest gift while attending Dickinson State University. That gift is his wife, Mariah. Together, they own and operate Boese Image Builders which works with individuals and businesses in helping them find promotional advertising and marketing gear.

In his retirement years, Goodall enjoys keeping busy by reading, traveling, hunting and fishing. He also enjoys cars and boats.

Goodall has been happily married to his wife of 57 years, Patti.

They have three sons: Dean (Kristy), Shawn, and Chad (Kim).

They also have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He also is active with the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce where he was voted the Board Member of the Year and the Volunteer of the Year. When Brady has some down time, he can be found out on the golf course.

“I feel DSU is a quality institution not only benefiting the students attending but Western North Dakota and the city of Dickinson. I want to do my part to ensure that it continues and students continue to receive a quality education to help assist them in their chosen careers.”

“I’m appreciative of the great education I received. More importantly, DSU means family to me because of the many relationships I formed with fellow students and staff. It surprises me how many of these connections I’ve kept while continuing to work in Dickinson.”

Stephen P. “Butch” Goodall ’66 Dickinson, North Dakota Blue Feather Award The Blue Feather Award is given each year to individuals who have made significant contributions to Dickinson State University.

Recipients need not be alumni of Dickinson State University, but have proven their support of DSU by helping to improve the institution through dedicated service, promotion, financial support and other efforts. This year’s recipient is Steve “Butch” Goodall.

Graduating from New Town High School in 1958, Goodall decided to attend Dickinson State at the urging of some of his friends. He enjoyed the friendships and the college life.

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Steven D. Perdue ’89 Ray, North Dakota Golden Hawk Award The Golden Hawk Award is the highest honor the DSU Heritage Foundation gives out. It shows loyalty and commitment to go above and beyond for their alma mater. It also shows professional achievement and significant contribution to the community, state or nation through public service. This year’s recipient is Steve Perdue, a 1989 graduate of Dickinson State University.

Becoming a Blue Hawk was something that Perdue had his heart set on in high school. Growing up in Velva and graduating in 1983, he decided to attend Dickinson State College because of football. After he got here, he soon realized that a degree was going to be just as important. Leland Skabo, a professor in the Department of Business, made sure that students knew the THE HERITAGE | WINTER 2018

Alumni Honorees practicality of what he was teaching and coach Hank Biesiot taught Perdue life lessons, something that he still reflects upon often.

His greatest college memory involves football. The 1986 team was phenomenal, being able to beat the Vikings out of Valley City for the conference championship which lead the Blue Hawks to going on to the national playoffs and playing Carroll College at home.

Perdue graduated with his Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in agriculture in 1989. Since then, he has been a farmer in Ray. Football is still a big part of his life today as he serves as the head football coach for the RayPowers Lake Outlaws. Even with his busy schedule, he still finds time to give back to his community, region, and state. He is the

DSU Heritage Foundation current chairman of the Farm Credit Services of North Dakota Board; a director on the US Durum Growers Association; trustee of St. Michaels Church; member of the Lions Club; and past chairman of the Ray Farmers Union Elevator Board. He received the Blue Hawk Booster Loyalty Award in 2007 and is the 2018 Harvest Bowl Williams County Agriculturist of the Year.

Perdue and his wife Bernadette (’87) have four children: Megan (Brock) Awalt, Matthew, Kendra and Kelsey. ”I am a very proud alum of Dickinson State. I found the years I attended to be some of the best years of my life. I continue to believe that a four year institution in western North Dakota is a great asset to the region and we must all work to ensure DSU’s role in the future.”

Dickinson State University celebrated its Centennial year during 2018. Events were held in collaboration with the City of Dickinson’s Roughrider Days in June and with Homecoming in October. It was a great time for our alumni to visit Dickinson.

Yearbooks from 1923 – 2000 were digitized in an effort to preserve the memories. Anyone can now view the yearbook collection by going to: www.dickinsonstate.edu/yearbooks In addition, the DSU archive was created. This site houses the collections of: • DSU Heritage Foundation’s Collection at the Dickinson Museum Center • The Western Concept Newspapers • Commencement Booklet Programs

Interested in Year End Giving?

• Impressions Literary Magazine

Contact the DSU Heritage Foundation

• Theatre Posters and Programs

(701) 483-2486

• Prairie Smoke Yearbooks • Maude Klinefelter Scrapbook

ty.orton@dickinsonstate.edu www.dsuheritagefoundation.org

DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG

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Homecoming

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DSU Heritage Foundation

THE HERITAGE | WINTER 2018

2018 Hall of Fame Inductees Six Individuals and One Team Inducted into the Blue Hawk Hall of Fame 2018 was a special year to be inducted in to the Blue Hawk Hall of Fame as it was DSU’s Centennial year. A banquet was held during Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 12, to honor these legendary Blue Hawks.

2006 & 2007 Softball Teams The 2006 and 2007 women’s softball teams are the first women’s softball teams inducted into the Blue Hawk Athletic Hall of Fame.

Under the direction of Guy Fridley, the 2006 team compiled a 43-7 overall record and 16-2 conference record winning the Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) Championship. In 2007, the team complied a 32-8 overall record and 15-1 conference record, again winning the DAC Championship. The 2007 team went on to win the Region 3 Championship qualifying them for the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in school history. At the national tournament the team went 4-3 finishing among the Elite 8. Both teams were ranked in the NAIA top 25.

Henry “Hank” Biesiot - Football Hank Biesiot was the head football coach at Dickinson State University from 1976-2013. Biesiot won 17 conference championships and amassed 258 wins in his 38 years as head coach.

In 2006, he was inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame as a coach. He is also in the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and the North Dakota Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bud Etzold - Football Bud Etzold played football for Dickinson State from 1970-1974. His senior season was capped off by being selected All-Conference NDCAC, AllDistrict 12, and NAIA All American Honorable Mention as an offensive lineman. Etzold served as co-captain of the first Blue Hawk Football Team in 1974.

DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG

DSU Heritage Foundation Aaron Johansen - Football/Track Aaron Johansen was an all-conference safety in football and played on three football teams that have been inducted into the DSU Athletic Hall of Fame. He was part of four consecutive conference championships in football from 20022005. Johansen was an eight-time AllAmerican and a member of the 2003 National Runner-Up and the 2004 & 2005 National Championship Teams for men’s track and field.

Dana Dunsmore - Softball Dana Dunsmore was named NAIA First Team All-American in Softball after she helped her team make it to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in the school’s history. She was also named the 2007 Region and DAC Conference Softball Player of the Year. During Dunsmore’s two seasons at DSU, the softball team compiled an overall record of 75-15, winning two Dakota Athletic Conference Championships and advancing to the NAIA National Tournament, finishing eighth in 2007.

Jeff Stewart - Football & Wrestling Jeff Stewart was a Blue Hawk dualsport athlete in the 1990’s. He was an All-Conference athlete in football and a two-time All-American in wrestling.

Stewart helped the Blue Hawk Football Team win three conference championships. Those teams made an appearance in the quarter-finals in 1990 and semi-finals in 1991.

TJ Herauf - Football & Track TJ Herauf competed in track and field as well as football from 1982-1986.

During the 1984 and 1985 seasons, he received All-Conference Honorable Mention in Football. During his senior year, he was voted in as a captain of both the football and track teams and was the District 12 discus champion.

Herauf competed at nationals his senior year in track & field and received the Harry Weinbergen Athlete of the Year Award.

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NAIA Football Hall of Fame Chapman and Farstveet To Be Inducted into the NAIA Football Hall of Fame

by DSU Athletics On Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2018 Hall of Fame inductees.

Among those selected were two former Blue Hawks athletes Paul Chapman (’89) and Rory Farstveet (’92). Their selection marked the first time Blue Hawk football has been recognized in the NAIA Hall of Fame (HOF).

“This is such an honor for Paul Chapman and Rory Farstveet. As three time All-Americans, they are two of the all-time greats in Dickinson State football history,” said Interim Athletic Director and Blue Hawks Head Football Coach, Pete Stanton. “They are the first DSU football players to be inducted into the National Hall of Fame. We are excited for both of them and their families on this well-deserved honor.”

Chapman was a student athlete at

Dickinson State from 1986 to 1989. He is originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. From the day Chapman walked onto the campus at Dickinson State, he made an immediate impact. He was a freshman starter and named allconference that year. The 1986 team had an undefeated regular season and hosted the first playoff game in the history of Dickinson State. In Chapman’s time at DSU, the teams he played on had a 35-5 record, won three conference championships and had four playoff appearances. Chapman was also very active on campus as a student senator. He left DSU a three time All-American, the first to do so in school history and was inducted into the Dickinson State University Hall of Fame in 2002.

DSU Heritage Foundation

to a 9-2 record, including a conference championship and a national playoff win. He was named all-conference as a freshman. He excelled throughout his undergraduate career and in his senior year, the Blue Hawks won another conference championship. Farstveet was named first team all-conference, and named All-American for a third time, the second time as a first team All-American. Farstveet was named the most valuable player of the North Dakota collegiate conference and DSU’s outstanding athlete. Farstveet was named to the Dickinson State Hall of Fame in 2004 and he is considered one of the top players in the history of Dickinson State. He dominated games from his offensive line position and led his team to the best finish in the history of the school.

“I was very fortunate to have played with a group of phenomenal young men at Dickinson State University and am very humbled at my selection to the NAIA Hall of Fame,” said Farstveet. “I look back on my time at DSU with great pride and appreciation for the coaches, players and staff that I was blessed to have been a part of. I wouldn’t trade my experiences at DSU for anything.”

The NAIA HOF induction ceremony will take place at the 2019 American Football Coaches Association’s Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 6-9, 2019.

Chapman was drafted into the Canadian football league and spent two seasons there. He has since had a successful career as a strength and conditioning coordinator at the University of North Dakota and University of New Hampshire.

“I am truly and deeply humbled by this honor,” said Chapman. “I was very fortunate to be part of a great football program at Dickinson State.

I was surrounded daily by great coaches and great players. Dickinson State has been part of my life every day since the day I graduated. I give a very personal thank you to Coach Biesiot and Coach Etzold for their support and mentorship in my life and in my coaching.”

Farstveet was one of the most

dominant players in the history of Dickinson State and the North Dakota Collegiate Athletic Conference as an offensive lineman. In his first year as a Blue Hawk, he helped lead the team

PAGE 12

Continue the Legacy REFER A FUTURE

BLUE HAWK www.dickinsonstate.edu/apply 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson ND 58601 1-800-279-HAWK (4295)

THE HERITAGE | WINTER 2018

Internship Corner

DSU Heritage Foundation and understand is critical and her job has put her communication skills to the test—requiring her to actively listen to customers so that she can respond accordingly to their questions or concerns.

Internships are not simply following someone around.

Kirchoffner’s internship has provided her with unexpected challenges and accomplishments. “My proudest achievement is the fact that I am trusted to make company decisions. I am also put in charge of the business if Larry (my boss) decides to leave for the day.”

By Dr. Holly Gruhlke & Dr. Debora Dragseth Competition for the best and the brightest college graduates is the most competitive that companies in our area have seen in decades. In a full-employment market, employers are discovering that internships are an excellent way to develop contacts with Dickinson State University (DSU) students prior to graduation.

Internships provide hands-on job experience for students as well as an opportunity for employers to find the right fit for a permanent position within their organization.

Jessica Kirchoffner

Her five year goal is to achieve a master’s degree in her field or obtain a certificate or bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety. Long-term, she would like to find a career in which she can utilize her skills and knowledge.

A Win-Win for everyone DSU students seeking internships are looking for a fast-paced environment, a relevance to their area of study, an opportunity to be creative and make an impact, fair compensation, and an experience that can position them for a successful career.

Consider setting up an internship program—it’s a win-win for everyone.

Information about internships at DSU can be found online at www.dickinsonstate.edu/hawksforhire

This issue’s highlighted intern is Jessica Kirchoffner from Manning, North Dakota. A human resource management major at DSU, Kirchoffner will be graduating this spring and is currently working as an intern for Sample Auto Sales in Manning, North Dakota. As a Title Clerk/Office Manager, she enjoys working with procedures and regulations. “There are so many opportunities to develop new skills. I enjoy exploring and learning new technology.”

We asked Kirchoffner about her typical day as an intern. “Going to work each morning is exciting. There is no set routine. Working in an auto dealership there are many tasks to accomplish, so multi-tasking is an essential skill. I sometimes have four or five projects going on at a time.” Although she spends most of her day working on sales documents such as titles and registrations, the DSU student also greets customers and directs them to sales, logs in new inventory, takes out sold inventory, tracks accounts receivables, shops repair orders, completes time sheets, manages the company’s web page and creates bank contracts.

Many of our students, including Kirchoffner, find their internships by word of mouth. “I heard the owner was hiring, so I stopped in with my resume. I talked about my employment knowledge, past employment history and how I could benefit him as an employee.”

Kirchoffner believes that quality customer service is the key to a successful business. While meeting numerous people with different personalities, she has discovered that being able to listen DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG

“The instructors and courses in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship have helped me stay on the right track for my career. I have learned more about my field than I realized that I needed to know. My program at DSU, along with the guidance of my advisor, have built confidence in my ability to achieve my career goals.”

- Jessica Kirchoffner _________________________________________________ Holly Gruhlke, D.B.A. is the Chair of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SoBE) and is the Internship Coordinator. Debora Dragseth, Ph.D. is a national award-winning journalist and a tenured professor of business.

PAGE 13

Blue Hawk Friends

DSU Heritage Foundation

Blue Hawk Pride Runs Deep For Lavern Jessen

by Hailey Entze, DSU Heritage Foundation Student Worker A man that cares a lot about the “College on the Hill” is one way to describe Lavern Jessen. As a man who coached at Dickinson State before taking on an administrative role, Jessen’s pride continues to run deep through his veins. Residents of Dickinson will usually always see Jessen proudly wearing Blue Hawk gear.

During Jessen’s time coaching the Dickinson State University men’s basketball team, wins in Scott Gym were almost guaranteed. In fact, he said that some seniors on his 1968 team had only lost one game in Scott Gym in the four years they had been on the team. In the five years that Jessen coached, he won four conference championships and took three teams to the national tournament. Though if you ask him, it wasn’t just his coaching that got them there. “I was extremely fortunate to have the kind of athletes that I had. They not only were great basketball players, but they were wonderful human beings,” Jessen said.

Born and raised in Kenmare, North Dakota, Jessen graduated from Minot State University where he played basketball, making it into their Athletic Hall of Fame. He did his graduate work at the University of North Dakota before moving on to coaching high school basketball, first at Beach High School for four years and then at Jamestown High School for three years.

In the fall of 1963, much to Dickinson State’s pleasure, Jessen joined the family. He was an assistant coach of football for three years and the head basketball coach for five years. Under his influence, the 1965, ’66, ’67 and ’68 men’s basketball teams won conference championships. They made it to the national tournament for three out of those four years in 1966, ’67 and ’68.

The last team that Jessen coached in, 1968, was one for the record books. The yearbook for that year calls them the “Champs,” the “Record Breakers,” and the “Golden Boys,” and rightfully so.

After coming out at the top of the conference for the fourth consecutive year, they traveled to the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City for the third year in a row.

SAVE THE DATE Join the DSU Heritage Foundation at the Painted Mountain Golf Resort in Mesa, Arizona

Wednesday, February 13 12:15 PM Golf Scramble 5 PM Dinner 4 PM Social More information to follow

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PAGE 14

Seeded 38th, the Savages beat the 12th seeded team the first night and the 5th seeded team the second night. They would go on to lose their third game by only five points. Three of Jessen’s players from this team were named to the All-North Dakota College Athletic conference team.

No matter his success, Jessen was very adamant that this not only be a recognition of him, but also a recognition of those years and the players that played on those outstanding teams.

“It’s not always about the coach,” he said. “You’ve got to have good players too, and I did.”

When asked what was the most memorable highlight from his years spent coaching, Jessen didn’t bring up the games he won or the incredible seasons he had. Instead, he remembers the support his teams received from the college’s student body and the community of Dickinson. He remembered the gymnasium being full for every game from 1965 through 1968.

Jessen quit coaching after that 1968 team. He took a position as the director of student services and financial aid in order to spend more time with his family. He started this position in 1969 and handled everything under the non-academic umbrella until he retired in 1990. He then became the commissioner of the Dakota Athletic Conference. In this position he played a major role in developing the DAC 10 and keeping it together for 22 years until it was disbanded.

His love for DSU kept him coming back year after year. He said the wonderful administration and staff that was dedicated to the students and understood what it took to be an outstanding university made those years a special time in his life. “[DSU] means the world to me. It provided me with employment for many years, and I just grew to love the people and the institution.

I still try to support it anyway I can.”

THE HERITAGE | WINTER 2018

Blue Hawk Friends

DSU Heritage Foundation

A Friendship That Never Stops Growing

by Edgewood Hawks Point As fall begins to set in, Myron Freeman reminisces on his 30year career at Dickinson State University. Freeman taught in the Department of Natural Sciences where he taught his students about plants, animals, and soil science.

One of Freeman’s most cherished memories at Dickinson State University involves his good friend, Franky. Franky is a ponderosa pine just west of May Hall where it continues to grow and thrive today.

When Franky, the ponderosa pine, was being moved from May Hall to Murphy Hall in 1966 the tree suffered some injuries along the way. The tree was wrapped with a log chain and then moved with a tractor. During that time, the chain girdled the trunk causing a wound to the tree.

Freeman was determined to save the tree. Many people doubted his efforts of saving the tree and told him to just get rid of it but he had other plans.

Freeman and his students received permission from DSU President Oscar DeLong to save Franky. They cut the tree at

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the girdle and proceeded to bend the branches upward in hopes of getting it to look like a tree again. Through time the tree eventually held its shape and led to the thriving tree it is today.

Freeman and his family continue to tend to and take care of Franky for 50 years. The infamous tree is still outside of Murphy Hall and is continuing to grow its memories day by day, thanks to Freeman and his family.

PAGE 15

Scholarships Edgewood Hawks Point Establishes Nursing Scholarships

by Hailey Entze, DSU Heritage Foundation Student Worker For 50 years, Dickinson State University has been educating some of the best nurses in the state.

The nursing program’s reputation has attracted students from far and wide to DSU and continues to do so thanks to the scholarships donated by Edgewood Hawks Point (Edgewood). Edgewood is an assisted living, independent living and short-term care facility located on the campus of Dickinson State University.

Seeing that there is a need for nurses not only in Dickinson, but in the surrounding communities as well, made Edgewood want to support the nursing program. They hope to encourage students graduating from high school or someone looking for a career change to consider furthering their education in the field of nursing. They also want people to know that Edgewood is there to help get them started.

Jorgenson Family Establishes DSU Rodeo Endowed Scholarship The family of Dale and Barbara Jorgenson has chosen to honor the couple by establishing a new scholarship benefiting Dickinson State University rodeo program students. The Dale & Barbara Jorgenson Family Rodeo Endowment Scholarship was developed to support students from McKenzie County and North Dakota who are planning to attend DSU and participate in rodeo.

Dale and Barbara Jorgenson, lifelong McKenzie County residents and ranchers, married in 1958. They chose McKenzie County to make their home and raise their family. They purchased a ranch east of Watford City in 1963 and raised three children: Tim, Tom and Joan. The Jorgenson’s have seven grandchildren and currently have one great-grandson. Both Dale and Barbara attended DSU. Dale’s lifelong commitment to rodeo competition started at a young age with a 1956 North Dakota High School Bareback Riding Championship. At the intercollegiate level, he was a member of the inaugural Dickinson State University rodeo team, which won the team title for their region in the first year of existence.

Dale was third in the nation in bull riding that year. A perennial champion in the NDRA, Dale won championships at both ends of the arena including bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and all-around titles.

PAGE 16

DSU Heritage Foundation One of the recipients of an Edgewood scholarship is Lydia Lynch.

Lynch chose Dickinson State’s nursing program because of the size of the school and the fact that she had the opportunity to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) after two years and a registered nurse (RN) after four years. Lynch said the scholarship from Edgewood, “is super helpful because without their help I wouldn’t have the same opportunities that I do and would have to deal with the added stress of wondering how I was going to pay for school.”

Edgewood is providing a total of 10 scholarships. Five of those scholarships will be awarded to students in the first and second years of the LPN program. The other five will be awarded to those completing the RN work and in their third and fourth years. “Every little bit helps,” said Carrie Zimmerman, general manager of Edgewood. “Whether it’s for books or tuition, Edgewood wants to help.”

Some of Edgewood’s residents are previous professors or graduates of the University, while others simply like to get involved by attending sporting events and concerts on campus. Some of Edgewood’s nurses are currently working towards receiving their RN degree from DSU. This is another driving factor for wanting to partner with the university.

According to Zimmerman, “We’re so happy to do this with DSU. We’re excited to get behind it and support it.”

In his later years, Dale was an avid team roper. His passion for horses and competition led him to compete in many roping events held across the region. The Jorgenson arena was always a welcome place for young cowboys to get some helpful instruction and to have a place to practice.

Dale’s resume of championships earned him an induction to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2002, which was a source of great pride to him. His lifelong passion for the sport of Rodeo and the Western Way of Life lives on in his family today. The Jorgenson family continues with each ensuing generation to be competitive in the sport of rodeo.

In recognition of the Jorgenson Family’s commitment to Dickinson State University, the memory of Dale Jorgenson was recognized as a recipient of the Arena of Excellence at Cowboys & Candlelight on November 3, 2018. Dale and Barbara’s grandson, Clay Jorgenson, is a current member of the DSU rodeo team.

THE HERITAGE | WINTER 2018

Hawks Eye View Angels in the Outfield - A Tribute to A.K.A

by DSU Athletic Department People say nothing beats a Midwest sunset, but what most people don’t realize is that often times the true beauty comes after the sunset. The way the stars blanket a Midwest night sky is nothing short of breathtaking. For Afton Williamson, Krystin Gemar and Ashley Neufeld, stargazing was something they had never been able to experience before. Three city girls whose lives collided in a small town in the upper Midwest. Three young women all brought together by one thing and one thing alone, their love for softball.

As their bond grew, they discovered they also shared a love for something else, the stars. On one clear November night, nine years ago, a star gazing adventure would end up being the final inning they would ever play together.

“The police came in and told me they found them,” stated head softball coach Kristen Fleury. “At that point I knew I had to be strong.”

On Nov. 1, 2009, Williamson, Gemar, and Neufeld decided they wanted to do something they couldn’t do within city limits. They set out on a mission to see the stars. For most people, stargazing seems like a childhood pastime, but when you grow up in California and Manitoba, Canada, stars are something that are almost nonexistent under the glow of the city lights.

What was intended for a night of adventure turned into a nightmare for the Blue Hawk softball team.

“I got a phone call from a current player at around 11:30 that night,” explained coach Fleury. “She said she had gotten some frantic phone calls from Afton that said ‘help, water!’ She said they were out by the lake looking for them. Initially I was really worried, but I told the player to call the police and try to be safe and not put themselves in any danger either.”

“Shortly after, I called the police and they told me they couldn’t file a missing person’s report until it had been at least 24 hours.

Obviously that was frustrating when you could tell something was horribly wrong,” said Fleury. “I told the team to try and stay calm and not worry, but obviously I was worried. It wasn’t normal for these three players to not answer their phones or respond to texts.

They were three really good kids.”

As the night went on most of the softball and baseball team had gotten word the three players were missing and potentially in trouble near water. All night long the coaches and teammates called and texted in hope of hearing from one of the three again.

Three days passed, and still there was no sign of the players. At this point, the police had officially filed three missing persons reports, the families had been notified, and the story of the three missing softball players had hit national news.

So many questions, yet so little answers. Then, came the answer none of them wanted to hear.

On Nov. 3, the bodies of Williamson, Gemar, and Neufeld were finally found. The three girls had driven into a stock pond on their way back from stargazing and lost their lives that day. News that devastated the Blue Hawk softball team, the University, and an entire softball community.

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DSU Heritage Foundation The days to follow were nothing short of a blur for head coach Kristen Fleury, who was only 24 at the time.

“Everybody copes differently, but I couldn’t cope, I didn’t have time to grieve. I had be strong for the rest of the team. We didn’t lose a player to an injury or grades or bad choices. We lost three players who would be gone forever. That was the most difficult part, knowing we would never see them again.”

But the Hawks remained strong and finished out the season as best as they could with a common goal in mind, to play for the ones who couldn’t anymore. The Blue Hawks ended their conference season 21-3 that year. Those three losses were nothing compared to the hurt of losing three teammates.

“It was hell, but we made it through as a team. We played for A.K.A that season,” stated coach Fleury.

Moving Forward as a Family Now, nine years later, a new recruit roams the hallways of DSU. Arjana Eliers is from the same hometown as Neufeld, but that isn’t her only tie to the Neufeld family.

“Ashley’s mom was my coach,” explained freshman pitcher, Eliers. “I was nine when Ashley passed away. Coach Neufeld never stopped coaching, even the year she lost Ashley. It was so inspiring to see her continue to coach even after that. When I started my recruiting process, coach Neufeld approached me and said she thought DSU would be a good fit.

You would think she would never recommend a school where her daughter lost her life, but she only spoke amazing things about the school. I came on my visit and I just knew it was the place I wanted to be. It felt like home.”

The years past and time went by, but the memory of A.K.A still lives on today. In the hometown of each player, there are softball complexes named after them. At DSU, the hallways are decorated with memorials and the #11, #4, and #9 softball jerseys have been retired. Each year, a scholarship is awarded to a player who displays the same characteristics that Williamson, Gemar, and Neufeld possessed.

“Receiving the A.K.A. Angels of ’09 scholarship made me appreciate where I am today and what I have in my life,” stated this year’s scholarship recipient Abi Brooks. “It’s helped me to focus on what’s really important-my very last year of playing softball.

Not everyone makes it this far, and I am thankful I am alive and playing a sport I love. This scholarship means so much because the memory of A.K.A. means so much to the program.”

Nine years ago, the lives of three incredible softball players were lost, but no matter how much time goes by, coach Fleury said the Blue Hawks never stopped playing with them.

“At the end of every game, win or lose, we say ‘A.K.A. we play with twelve.’ Nine players on the field and three angels in the outfield.”

PAGE 17

Hawks Eye View Following in Her Footsteps: Kylie Hadley, Blue Hawk Volleyball

by DSU Athletic Department A ribbon by definition is a long, narrow strip of fabric used especially for tying something or for decoration. For senior Blue Hawk volleyball player Kylie Hadley, a ribbon symbolizes so much more. In Hadley’s family, a little orange ribbon became the foundation of her family, a beacon of strength, and a symbol of hope for a better tomorrow.

“I was in 8th grade when my mom was diagnosed with M.S.,” stated Hadley.

Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.

“The doctors told me I wouldn’t be able to coach or teach anymore,” stated Hadley’s mom Carol. “The fear of not being able to do what I loved is what scared me the most. I was determined to prove them wrong.”

At the time of Carol’s diagnosis, she had many roles at Baker High School. Not only was she the head volleyball coach, but she was also an advisor and the Title English teacher.

“A lot of my eighth grade year she was on medical leave. She was at home trying to figure out what our day-to-day life would be like. It was really tough not having her at the school during that time. I was so used to her always being there,” explained Hadley.

Then came a silver lining.

DSU Heritage Foundation “I always wanted to play for my mom, ever since I was little and got to watch her coach my older sister. It was always a goal of mine, but when she was diagnosed with M.S. I wasn’t sure if I would ever get that chance.”

Carol decided she was going to fight back, that there was no way she would miss out on coaching her daughter. She started researching different treatment options and finally found an option that worked. Three times a week Carol would inject herself an autoimmune suppressant and slowly her vision returned and her attacks started to subside. Three months later, she was back on the Baker Spartan bench coaching. That was Hadley’s freshman season, four years later Carol was still coaching her daughter and leading the Baker Spartans.

Then Hadley had another goal in mind.

“My mom is my hero. I want to be just like her, so my goal was always to go to Dickinson State and play volleyball just like my mom did,” she said.

“At the time, I wasn’t really being recruited by Dickinson State so I decided to go to Rocky Mountain College instead. I played at Rocky for two years, and then decided it was time for me to be done with volleyball, but Coach Stanton and Coach Hartman had a different plan.”

“I heard Kylie was transferring at semester to DSU but didn’t want to play volleyball anymore. My first thought was ‘this girl is way too good not to keep playing’,” explained DSU head coach Jenn Hartman.

“Coach Hartman met with me and said ‘just give us one semester.

If you hate it we will let you walk away forever, but at least give us a chance’,” stated Hadley.

Dickinson State helped me fall in love with the sport of volleyball again, but more importantly, it allowed me to live out a lifelong dream of being just like my mom. She was a Blue Hawk and now I am too. Every time I step on that court, I get to play for her. I just try to make her proud of me. Knowing she battled through overcoming M.S. helps me get through the tough times. She will always be the toughest Blue Hawk I know.”

At a game recognizing M.S., with her mom in the stands, cheering on the Hawks, Hadley was able to honor her mother in a way she never could before. With an orange ribbon tied on her shoe, Hadley led the Blue Hawks to victory.

“Winning is always a rewarding feeling but winning in honor of your mom on M.S. night is an overwhelming feeling.”

Editor’s Note: Kylie’s parents, John and Carol Hadley, are proud Dickinson State University alumni.

PAGE 18

THE HERITAGE | WINTER 2018

Hawks Eye View

DSU Heritage Foundation

When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Blue Hawk: Jalen Hendrickson, Blue Hawk Football

by DSU Athletic Department There is a common quote in the athletic world that goes something like this: “If you ever feel like giving up, just remember there’s a little boy in the stands who wants to be just like you. Don’t disappoint them.” In the early years of Jalen Hendrickson’s life, he was that little boy.

“I decided I wanted to be a Blue Hawk when I was five years old.

I used to come here every weekend for football games to watch my older brother Aaron Johanson. I kind of always wanted to be a Blue Hawk as a little kid, I thought it was so cool coming to DSU,” explained Hendrickson.

This Medicine Lake, Montana native was no stranger to the Blue Hawks and sports. Coming here since kindergarten, Hendrickson decided at an early age this was where he was meant to be. Growing up, Hendrickson got to watch his older brother Aaron compete at DSU in football and track & field.

Johansen was a standout two-sport athlete for the Blue Hawks in both football and track. On the football field, he was an All-Conference safety and played on three football teams that were inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was also a part of four consecutive conference championships. On the track, Johanson was an eight-time All-American and was part of two National Championship track teams and one runner-up team.

“I wanted to be just like Aaron. I wanted to run track and play football. Everything Aaron did I wanted to do,” Hendrickson continued, “Even in high school I did all his same events and he would come back and help me out with them. Aaron was my hero growing up.”

FOR LATEST DSU NEWS, VISIT www.dickinsonstate.edu/news

In the fall of 2014 Hendrickson’s wish finally came true.

“I just always stayed in contact with Coach Stanton throughout the years, and came to football camp. Then when I was a senior, he recruited me for football and track. I was very honored that he considered me and that I would finally get to follow in my brother’s footsteps,” stated Hendrickson.

And follow in Johanson’s footsteps he did.

Hendrickson has helped the DSU men’s track and field teams to two conference championship titles until he had to stop competing in track due to hamstring issues. In football, Hendrickson has helped the DSU football program to three consecutive NSAA Conference Championship titles, and is hoping for number four this season. Hendrickson is currently ranked 18th nationally in Division I in total interceptions and 30th in interceptions per game.

“Jalen is one of our hardest working guys. He was the first guy to sign with Dickinson State when our staff took over in 2013.

He has had a few issues with his hamstring that have slowed him down, but when he is healthy he has been a very valuable member of our team. He is very smart and plays with a lot of passion,” stated head football coach, Pete Stanton.

Now, sitting in the stands is Johanson, cheering on number 42.

“Watching Jalen brings back old memories of playing and a proud feeling that he decided to become a Blue Hawk. Being a Blue Hawk has turned into a family tradition,” said Johansen.

“Not many kids know what they want to be when they grow up but for me, I always knew. I wanted to be a Blue Hawk.”

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